With an impressive list of early offers, Tampa (Fla.) defensive end Tyriq McCord is hard to faze.

But McCord could hardly contain himself when USC offered him this week.

One of Tampa's most notable football personalities was the one to come through with the offer.

"I had been talking to Coach Monte Kiffin and he said they were looking for a linebacker next year," McCord said. "He offered me on Wednesday. He talked to my coach and then me to confirm the offer."

A member of the Rivals250 to watch list, McCord was already one of the nation's most sought-after recruits. But the latest news floored him.

"It was a 'wow' offer because Monte Kiffin is a legend," McCord said. "He's been around for so long, way before I was born. I just can't believe it. The only thing like it was when I got the offer from Florida, since I followed them growing up."

Despite mentioning Florida and USC as two of his biggest early offers, McCord insisted he had no favorite.

"I really don't have a leader, or even a top 5 or top 10," McCord said. "I just put USC and Florida in with FSU and the rest of the schools that have offered me, and I'm just going to look at them all."

Moving far from home for college doesn't daunt McCord, but the lineman's parents might have a differing opinion.

"Location is not really a big concern for me, but I'm pretty sure it is for my family," McCord said. It's not going to be 100 percent my decision. It's probably going to be 85 percent my decision and 15 percent my parents' decision. I'm not too sure what they think, but I'm pretty sure they don't want their baby going out too far."

The linebacker role that Monte Kiffin pitched clearly struck a chord with McCord.

"I always wanted to be like Terrell Suggs," McCord said. My favorite NFL team is the Ravens, so I look at him as the best defensive player now. I always wanted to play a position like that where I can play some linebacker but also put my hand in the dirt, sort of like Clay Matthews."

If USC is going to make an impression on McCord, it may have to do it fairly quickly.

"I'm going to take at least one visit during the summer, but my summer schedule is pretty booked," McCord said. "I would like to make my decision before the season starts."

USCfootball.com will keep you updated on McCord throughout his recruitment.